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Source: The American Journal of International Law, Vol. 93, No. 4 (Oct., 1999), pp. 863-878Published by: American Society of International Law Although this Note has identified the criteria for implementing Article 121 (3), attempts to apply them to specific features may excite controversy. Changes in circumstances may cause those features that do qualify as Article 121(3) rocks to be reclassified as islands unencumbered by the limitations placed on such rocks. In theory, Article 121 (3) features may also influence the location of international maritime boundaries that delimit exclusive economic zones and continental shelves generated from other features. In practice, however, that potential will almost never be realized. Success in establishing sovereignty over a small feature, such as an Article 121 (3) rock, will therefore not guarantee an effect on the delimitation of adjacent areas of exclusive economic zone or continental shelf, regardless of whether the context involves international maritime boundary disputes with other coastal states or claims to areas that would otherwise be part of the oceans' common spaces where the international community retains an interest in resisting encroachment. For these reasons, those who stir up nationalist passions should keep in mind that this effort may gain them little if their goal is to strengthen maritime boundary claims.
